In this blog, I like to tell funny stories and share the many ways that Nana is coping with her disease. She is the epitome of "grace under pressure;" but some times are tougher than others. Right now, we are both feeling "moving pains".
As I have mentioned before, change is very difficult for those with Alzheimers. They cope by living within the familiar; new experiences and places are very frightening, no matter how kind those around you are. Change was necessary, in order to keep Nana safe; and the people at Compass are beyond kind and caring. But the change has been rough.
Since moving in, she has been very confused, and her behaviours have changed drastically. Her gait has changed, leaning more to the left and walking with her head down. She smiles and says, "Nancy!" when she sees me, but then quickly forgets who I am. She joins in during the activities, but seems to be very detached as well. Dressing and swallowing pills has become a challenge (though meals are NOT a problem ;). We have finally been able to help her sleep at nite; but now she is also fighting a cold. The facility is closely monitoring her temperature and giving her some cough medicine.
Nana's caregivers say that her decline is not at all unusual. Most residents start to clear after about a month; but sometimes, Alzheimers does not move slowly and takes a precipitous drop. I am praying that this move is a temporary setback.
Either way, Nana remains pleasant and kind. She likes her new home, and enjoys her new friends. She continues to put a positive spin on everything around her. May I continue to learn from her.
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